Impact-proof watchcase

ABSTRACT

An impact-proof watchcase having a watchcase band with an internal shoulder. A watchcase inner ring is provided within the band within which is disposed a ring supporting a dial and watchworks internally thereof. An impact-absorbing member is disposed between the inner shoulder and the ring supporting the dial for absorbing impacts on the watchcase. A watch crystal is provided for viewing the dial and a bezel is disposed circumferentially of the watch crystal. A second impact-absorbing member is disposed cooperative with the watchcase inner ring and provides an elastic support therefore for absorbing shocks to which the watchworks are subjected. The impact-absorbing members absorb movements or vibrations in three dimensions.

Yamamoto 1 Dec. 24, 1974 IMPACT-PROOF WATCHCASE I v [75] Inventor: Eiji Yamamoto, Matsudo, Japan [73] Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Daini Seikosha,

Tokyo, Japan [22] Filed: Dec. 21, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 427,331

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Dec. 26, 1973 Japan 48-410 [52] US. Cl. 58/88 C, 58/94 [51] Int. Cl. G04b 37/04 [58] Field of Search 58/88 C, 94

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS I 1,995,951 3/1935 Straumann 58/88 C 2,044,752 6/1936 Dunlap 3,520,130 7/1970 OItramare. I 3,727,367 4/1973 Fujimori 58/88 C 3,735,584 5/1973 Tokunaga 58/88 C FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 366,361 10/1906 France 58/88 C 1/1968 France 58/94 377,734 6/1964 Switzerland... 58/94 470,706 5/1969 Switzerland... 58/94 r 479,906 11/1969 Switzerland 58/94 Primary Examiner-George H. Miller, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or FirmRobert E. Burns; Emmanuel J. Lobato; Bruce L. Adams [57] ABSTRACT An impact-proof watchcase having a watchcase band with an internal shoulder. A watchcase inner ring is provided within the band within which is disposed a ring supporting a dial and watchworks internally thereof. An impact-absorbing member is disposed be tween the inner shoulder and the ring supporting the dial for absorbing impacts on the watchcase. A watch crystal is provided for viewing the dial and a bezel is disposed circumferentially of the watch crystal. A second impact-absorbing member is disposed cooperative with the watchcase inner ring and provides an-elastic support therefore for absorbing shocks to which the watchworks are subjected. The impact-absorbing members absorb movements or vibrations in three dimensions.

11 Claims, 30 Drawing Figures IMPACT-PROOF WATCHCASE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to watchcase structures more particularly to a new and improved impact-proof watchcase.

Watches are subjected to impacts during their use and even during assembly. Difficulty is encountered in effecting accurate positioning of the watchworks or movements relative to the watchcase parts. For example difficulty is encountered with respect to positioning the watchworks relative to a hole in the watchcase for providing a winding stem therethrough. Moreover, machining of the various parts to make them impact-proof makes the machining very difficult and can result in the increased number of parts incorporated in the watchcase.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a new and improved impact-proof watchcase eliminating the above-mentioned drawbacks.

The impact-proof watchcase comprises a watchcase band having an internal shoulder. A watch crystal and a bezel circumferentially thereof are provided for viewing a dial. A ring supports the dial and watchworks are disposed internally of the watchcase band or circumferentially of the arrangement. An impact-absorbing member is disposed between the inner shoulder and the ring supporting'the dial for absorbing impacts on the watchcase.

A second impact-absorbing member is disposed cooperative with the watchcase inner ring providing an elastic support therefore and functioning to absorb shocks to which the watchworks are subjected.

The impact-absorbing members may be constructed of different cross section configurations and made of resilient materials such as synthetic rubber or as springs or otherwise elastic or tubular elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects and advantages of the impact-proof watchcase according to the invention will appear from the following descriptions of an example of the invention, and the novel features will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims and drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary vertical cross section view of a watch embodying the invention;

FIGS. 2A-2C are fragmentary cross section views of the embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 3A-3G are cross section views of the different embodiments of an impact-absorbing member according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross section view of an embodiment of an impact-absorbing member of the invention;

" FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross section view of a dial ring according to the invention;

FIGS. 6A-6B are fragmentary cross section and perspective views respectively of another dial-receiving ring according to the invention;

FIG. 6C is a fragmentary perspective view of another embodiment of a dial-receiving ring;

FIG. 7A is a fragmentary cross section view of a watchcase according to the invention;

FIGS. 7B-7D are fragmentary cross section views of watchcase inner rings constructed according to the invention;

- FIGS. 7E-7G are vertical cross section views of other I tion views showing of other embodiments of impactasorbing members for positioning and fixing watchcase inner rings according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED ENIBODIMENTS As illustrated in FIG. 1 watchworks l are disposed internally of a watchcase band 2 of a watchcase. The watchcase is closed by a backcover 3 and this cover prevents entry of moisture or any sweat from entering the interior of the watchcase and reaching the watch movement 1. A watchcase inner ring 4 is disposed internally of the watchcase band and has a shoulder 4a cooperative with a shoulder 1a of the watch movement 1 for resiliently supporting the watchworks. A dial ring 5 supports a dial 6. The dial ring has a peripheral flange 5a disposed opposed to an inner peripheral shoulder 2a of the watchcase band and defines a space therewith within which is housed an annular impact-absorbing member constructed as a resilient ring 7.

A second impact-absorbing member 8 constructed as an annular flat ring is circumferentially held in an annular groove 2b internally of the watchcase band 2 adjacent the backcover 3. This second impact-absorbing member 8 has considerable stiffness radially of the watchcase, and is shown here as a flat ring which projects inwardly of the watchcase band 2 and has an inner annular portion which supports the watchcase inner ring 4 so that watch movement 1 is resiliently supported and floats between the impact-absorbing members 7 and 8 and protected against lateral and other impacts.

A resilient gasket 9 provides a moisture tight seal be tween the watchcase band 2 and the backcover 3 and a conventional watch crystal 10, made for example of an inorganic material has a bezel 11 disposed circumferentially thereof and received in an annular slot in the watchcase band 2. A watch crystal supporting ring 12 holds a gasket 13 interposed between the watch crystal and the watchcase band 2.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate other embodiments of a first impact-absorbing member which can be used in a watchcase according to the invention. In the second embodiment watchworks 21A are housed internally of a watchcase band 22A and an inner ring 24A is disposed internally thereof. A dial-supporting ring 25A is provided for supporting a dial 26A that incorporates therein a peripheral flange 26A corresponding to the flange 5a of the embodiment in FIG. 1. An impactabsorbing ring 27A, circular in cross section, is provided for absorbing the impacts to which the works are subjected.

A third embodiment is shown fragmentarily in FIG. 28. However in this instance, watchworks 218 have a peripheral recess into which an annular projection of inner ring 24B projects. The inner ring has an edge surface 24B and a flange 24B cooperative with a shoulder 22B of a watchcase band 22B defining the space in which a resilient shock-absorbing ring 27B is disposed. In this instance a dial ring 25B is without a flange as well as a dial 26B.

Provision may be made for having a shockabsorption function carried out by a flat flexible member adjacent the dial. Thus, in the construction shown in FIG. 2C a flat resilient or flexible member 24 is mounted between a dial 25C and a ring 25C supporting an inner edge of member 24. This flexible member is.

fitted beneath a shoulder 22C of a watchcase band 22C so that any movement of watchworks 21C is resiliently absorbed by the resilient member 24. This resilient member may be constructed as a flat plate or annular flat ring plate.

A group of different embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3G. In the first embodiment of the group a resilient shock-absorbing member 37A arcuate in cross section cooperates with the inner peripheral shoulder of a watchband 32A and the other shoulder defining the space for the member may be provided with any of the heretofore disclosed techniques. In this instance, the shock-absorbing element 37A is constructed a reverse C-shaped element that will flex and absorb any shock-impact. Another construction is illustrated in FIG. 3B in which a reverse C-shaped shock-absorbing element 37B is disposed within the space between the cooperating shoulders of a watchcase band 328 and another element. A Z-shaped resilient member 37C may likewise be used in the space provided with the shoulder of a watchband 32C.

Provision may be made for absorbing shocks with a coil spring member as illustrated in FIG. 3D in which a coil spring 37D co-operates with a shoulder of a watchband 32D as illustrated. A coil spring member may be positioned in a different position as illustrated with respect to a coil spring 37E cooperating with a shoulder of a watchband 3215. These springs absorb movement of the watch movement laterally and up and down in the drawing. Another type of spring member is illustrated in FIG. 3F where a sinusoidal spring 37F is disposed between the inner shoulders of a watchband 32F and another element of the type before described as illustrated. I

The shock-absorbing element may have different types of cross-sections for example, it may be a resilient tubular ring member as illustrated in FIG. 3G in which a shock-absorber 376 is seated or housed in the space provided by the watchband 320 and some other element.

The shock-absorbing element may be received in an inner recess of a watchase band as illustrated in FIG. 4 in which a watchcase band 42 is provided with an internal groove or recess receiving an extension 47a of a resilient shock-absorbing ring member 47 which is housed in the manner of the other rings as before described.

The shock-absorbing member can be provided as a novel construction as illustrated in FIG. 5. As illustrated therein, watchworks 51 are housed within a watchcase band 52 having a shoulder 52a and an inner ring 54 is provided. In this instance, a dial ring 55 has a resilient flange 55b which is substantially V-shaped in cross-section. This flange is seated underneath the inner peripheral shoulder 52a of the watchcase band and is capable of absorbing any movement of the watchworks. Thus the dial ring supporting the dial can carry out the shock-absorbing function.

The shock-absorbing members can be constructed as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6B in which watchworks 61 have a peripheral notch 61b. A resilient dial ring 65 supports a dial 66 and has a resilient curved spring portion 65C up against a shoulder 62a of a watchcase band and is provided with a shoulder 65d engaged in a shoulder 61b of the watchworks. This spring absorbs the movement of the watchworks.

The spring or dial ring 65 may be modified to a structure shown in FIG. 6C in which a similar dial ring spring 65 is provided with a projection 65a in which an opening 65f provides greater resiliency in the structure.

Resiliency or shock-absorbing characteristics may be in part assisted by the inner ring of the watchcase. This type of structure is illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7G. As illustrated, watchworks 71A are housed within a watchcase band 72A having an inner shoulder 72a. A watchcase inner-ring 74A is provided with a projection 74A bearing against the inner periphery of the watchcase band supporting the watchworks 71. A dial 76 is provided and a dial ring 75A has a flange cooperative with the shoulder of the watchcase band for housingashockabsorbing ring 77A. This inner ring projection 74A may be elastic or nonelastic. Elastic embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 7B-7D. Thus an inner ring 748 is provided with an elastic projection 748' which will engage the inner periphery of a watchcase band not shown. A somewhat similar construction of a watchcase inner ring 74C is provided with a projection 74C having an opening therein which renders it more elastic and another embodiment of such an inner ring is illus- A different configuration of inner rings are illustrated in rings 74E, 74F each of which has a countersunk portion 74d, 74d respectively as illustrated. An inner ring 74G may be constructed shown in FIG. 7G having a flexible portion 74e. i

The second shock-absorbing member of the watch according to the invention may be provided by various means for resiliently supporting the inner ring. Constructions of this type are illustrated in FIGS. 8A-10D. As illustrated in FIG. 8A, a watch movement 81A is housed internally of a watchcase band 82A and an inner ring 84A is fitted circumferentially against a shoulder of this watch movement and is resiliently supported on a shock-absorbing ring member 88A which fits into an annular recess within the watchcase band 82A as shown. A somewhat similar construction is illustrated in FIG. 8B in which watchworks 81B are disposed within a watchcase band 82B and are supported on an inner ring 84B which itself is supported on a shock-absorbing ring member 888 which is secured thereto by a screw 88B.

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate other types of ring shockabsorbing members. Thus as illustrated watchworks 91A are disposed in a watchcase band 92A within which is disposed an inner ring 94A supporting the watchworks resiliently on a shock-absorbing member 98A. The inner ring is provided with an annular recess 94e in which a spherical portion 98a of the shockabsorbing ring is received. The ring proper has a rectangular body section which functions as a gasket in cooperation with a backcover 93A.

trated at 74D as having a bulge 74D which is elastic.

A variation of this structure is illustrated in FIG. 9B in which a watchcase 92B has internally thereof an inner ring 94B resiliently supported on a shockabsorbing member 988. In this instance, a backcover 93B is provided with a shoulder 93a allowing clearance for the inner ring 94B.

The shock-absorbing function can be carried out in watches according to the invention by use of the abovementioned shock-absorbers and also by providing a shock-absorbing element cooperative with the watchworks of the watch and the backcover thereof. Embodiments of this type are illustrated in FIGS. l0A-10C. Thus as illustrated, watchworks 101A are housed within a watchcase band 102A within which is housed an inner ring 104A. The inner ring cooperates with the watchworks in resiliently supporting them and is in return resiliently supported by an annular shockabsorbing spring 140A received in a notch l04e of the inner ring and supported against the watchcover 103A. The ring conforms to the cross-section configuration of the watchworks.

A somewhat similar embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 108 in which watchworks -101B are housed within a watchcase band 1028 and a watch inner ring is in this instance by a ring spring 1408 seated on a watch backcover 1038 and provided with a flange 140a that underlies the inner ring of the watch and resiliently supports it to support the watchworks resiliently.

A structure similar to those described is illustrated in FIG. 10C in which an inner watchcase ring 104C is illustrated and is resiliently supported by an annular spring 140C. The inner ring is provided with a peripheral flange 104g defining an annular shoulder in which the spring 140C is seated. The spring is provided with an inwardly curved portion 140C that is seated against a backcover, not shown as in the other embodiments.

A final embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 10D. As illustrated, watchworks 101D are disposed internally of a watchcase band 102D and the watch is provided with a watch backcover 103D. An inner ring 104D resiliently mounts the watchworks and is resiliently supported on a sinusoidal ring spring 140D which underlies the inner ring 104D and is seated on a flange of the watch backcover 103D which is of sufficient dimension for receiving the resilient spring 140D and a gasket as illustrated. The periphery of the backcover is threaded on complementary threads of the watchcase band 102D.

As mentioned heretofore, the present invention has the advantage that vibrations and impacts imposed on the wristwatch in all directions are prevented from being transmitted directly to the watch movement due to the dampening effects of the shock-absorbing members. This is accomplished with a simple structure. The structure still permits the ease of assembly and disassembly to maintain improvement of efficiency in manufacturing or repairing a watch according to the invention. 7

Those skilled in the art will understand that the various shock-absorbing rings may be metallic or made of a suitable plastic, rubber or synthetic rubber.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent 1. An impact-proof watchcase comprising a dial, a backcover, a watchcase band therebetween having an internal peripheral downwardly facing shoulder, inner ring means within said watchcase band, watchworks disposed within said inner ring means mounted thereon, a first shock-absorbing resilient member coactive with said watchcase band shoulder resiliently ab sorbing vibrations of said watchworks in three dimensions, and a second shock-absorbing resilient member of considerable stiffness radially of the watchcase, bearing against a portion of the watchcase which is at least close to the backcover for resiliently supporting said inner ring means relative to said watchcase band for absorbing three dimensional vibrations of said watchworks.

2. An impact-proof watchcase according to claim 1, in which said first shock-absorbing member is a ring and in which said second shock-absorbing member is a ring.

3. An impact-proof watchcase according to claim 1, in which said first shock-absorbing member has a C- shaped cross-section.

4. An impact-proof watchcase according to claim 1, in which said first shock-absorbing member is a tubular ring.

5. An impact-proof watchcase according to claim 1, in which said first shock-absorbing member is a coil spring.

6. An impactproof watchcase according to claim 1, in which said first shock-absorbing member is a sinusoidal spring.

7. An impact-proof watchcase according to claim 1, in which said first shock-absorbing resilient member comprises a dial ring for supporting a dial thereon and having a resilient peripheral portion engaging said watchcase band.

8. An impact-proof watchcase according to claim 1, in which said second shock-absorbing member is a resilient ring.

9. An impact-proof watchcase according to claim 8, in which said resilient ring supports said inner ring means and bears against said watchcase band.

10. An impact-proof watchcase according to claim 8, in which said resilient ring has an inner portion which underlies said inner ring.

11. An impact-proof watchcase according to claim 8, in which said resilient ring is disposed extending into said watchcase band and into said inner ring, said watchcase band and said inner ring each having an annular recess into which said resilient ring extends. 

1. An impact-proof watchcase comprising a dial, a backcover, a watchcase band therebetween having an internal peripheral downwardly facing shoulder, inner ring means within said watchcase band, watchworks disposed within said inner ring means mounted thereon, a first shock-absorbing resilient member coactive with said watchcase band shoulder resiliently absorbing vibrations of said watchworks in three dimensions, and a second shock-absorbing resilient member of considerable stiffness radially of the watchcase, bearing against a portion of the watchcase which is at least close to the backcover for resiliently supporting said inner ring means relative to said watchcase band for absorbing three dimensional vibrations of said watchworks.
 2. An impact-proof watchcase according to claim 1, in which said first shock-absorbing member is a ring and in which said second shock-absorbing member is a ring.
 3. An impact-proof watchcase according to claim 1, in which said first shock-absorbing member has a C-shaped cross-section.
 4. An impact-proof watchcase according to claim 1, in which said first shock-absorbing member is a tubular ring.
 5. An impact-proof watchcase according to claim 1, in which said first shock-absorbing member is a coil spring.
 6. An impact-proof watchcase according to claim 1, in which said first shock-absorbing member is a sinusoidal spring.
 7. An impact-proof watchcase according to claim 1, in which said first shock-absorbing resilient member comprises a dial ring for supporting a dial thereon and having a resilient peripheral portion engaging said watchcase band.
 8. An impact-proof watchcase according to claim 1, in which said second shock-absorbing member is a resilient ring.
 9. An impact-proof watchcase according to claim 8, in which said resilient ring supports said inner ring means and bears against said watchcase band.
 10. An impact-proof watchcase according to claim 8, in which said resilient ring has an inner portion which underlies said inner ring.
 11. An impact-proof watchcase according to claim 8, in which said resilient ring is disposed extending into said watchcase band and into said inner ring, said watchcase band and said inner ring each having an annular recess into which said resilient ring extends. 